Cellular structures have numerous unique advantages, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, exceptional energy absorption, and minimal material necessity. They are made up of a network of struts or tiny unit cells that are connected to one another. Recent years have seen the emergence of multifunctional auxetic mechanical metamaterials endowed with novel mechanical properties and multi-functionalities, offering an extraordinary opportunity to disrupt designs in several sectors. However, it's essential to acknowledge the inherent limitations of auxetic structures, primarily their tendency towards low stiffness and stability. Concurrently, the computational challenges posed by simulating extensive structures featuring lattice cells are also addressed, which demand an exponential increase in degrees of freedom, inevitably prolonging computational time. This research addresses a multifaceted exploration of auxetic structures and their diverse applications.
The primary focus of this research is to pioneer novel designs of auxetic structures that not only enhance auxeticity but also yield superior mechanical characteristics. Secondly, a numerical homogenization method is proposed aimed at mitigating the computational cost associated with lattice structures. The outcomes of these approaches are subsequently subjected to experimental and analytical validation. In addition to these objectives, this study delves into the practical industrial applications of auxetic honeycomb structures. Specifically, an innovative helmet liner is designed that harnesses the unique properties of auxetic honeycomb to improve impact absorption significantly. This application represents a real-world embodiment of this research, highlighting the transformative potential of auxetic structures across industries.